SEN Life Skills Instructor

Full Job Description

At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work 

Job Title:  Life Skills Instructor
Location:  Penny Tree School, Birmingham, B30 3ES
Hours:  37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Salary:  £26,375.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate, creative, and dedicated Life Skills Instructor to deliver high‑quality learning experiences for pupils diagnosed with Autism (ASC). This role is centred on helping learners build practical life skills, develop independence, and grow in confidence within a supportive and structured environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a personalised Life Skills curriculum that integrates functional academics, vocational learning, and personal development.
• Teach a wide range of practical skills, including independent living, road safety, cooking, money management, communication, health and wellbeing, community engagement, and preparation for future education or employment.
• Create and maintain a holistic, supportive, autism‑friendly learning environment that promotes engagement and success.
• Implement strategies aligned with each pupil’s EHCP, ensuring individual needs and goals are effectively supported.
• Monitor and assess progress, accurately recording achievements and maintaining consistent documentation.
• Provide regular feedback to the Senior Leadership Team on pupil performance, barriers to learning, and recommended next steps.
• Promote positive behaviour, encouraging pupils to build independence, self‑awareness, and responsibility.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of, or a strong interest in, supporting pupils diagnosed with Autism (ASC).
• Can design and deliver structured, engaging lessons tailored to the communication, sensory, and social needs of autistic learners.
• Is passionate about developing functional life skills and helping pupils work towards greater independence and future success.
• Can confidently differentiate learning to ensure meaningful access and engagement for pupils with a wide range of abilities.

About Us

Our new Options Autism school – Penny Tree – will have capacity for 60 pupils and is expected to open in the near future.

At Penny Tree School, you'll be part of a supportive and visionary leadership team at the very start of an exciting journey. Backed by the expertise of Options Autism and Outcomes First Group, you’ll have access to a wide network of senior leaders, professional development pathways, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact—not only on the school but on the lives of the pupils we serve.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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